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§ 5 (1) 3. b 2 PS Applied Methods of Social Science

Students acquire the ability to deal with current empirical studies and to apply the first steps of a research process (formulation of a research issue, data collection, method reflection) autonomously in terms of quality and/or quantity or method.

How do I come up with a relevant research question that can be tested empirically? How do I find convincing answers?
During the course of the semester, we will answer these to questions that are relevant for writing a seminar paper, BA-thesis or MA thesis
In the first part of this class, students will become familiar with basic theoretical and methodological concepts and principles of social research. In a second part, students will learn about the most important phases of an empirical research project. We will discuss the conception of a research question, development of a theoretic argument and hypothesis. In this part, the class will also discuss operationalization and measurement strategies. Finally, the last part evolves around quantitative and qualitative research designs as well as data collection methods and analysis.

Presentations, discussions, group work, and application of methods in individual research projects.

Students have to write a seminar paper and pass three short exams.

Gschwend, Thomas and Frank Schimmelfennig (2007). Research Design in Political Science: How to Practice what they Preach. New York: Palgrave.

Hancké, Bob (2010). Intelligent research design: a guide for beginning researchers in the social sciences. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Schnell, R. & Hill, P. B. & Esser, E. (2013). Methoden der empirischen Sozialforschung (10th ed.). Munich, Germany: Oldenbourg.